Bunni Pop's Best Songs of 2025
From solo debuts to hyperpop inspo, here are the tracks I gravitated towards in 2025
While the globalization of K-pop has divided some OG fans who yearn for fewer English lyrics and longer songs (gimme bridges!), there was still much to enjoy in 2025.
Over the past year, I found myself gravitating towards more soloists and different genres (especially J-pop) when it comes to music.
Artists like DAYOUNG (known for her bubbly and cute personality in WJSN) rebranded herself as a sultry pop diva. While JUSTB, an underdog group who have competed in multiple reality competition shows, switched things up and went into hyperpop mode.
Newer generations of idol groups also delivered standouts for me. Artists like CORTIS, f5ve and NMIXX got lots of attention from me for their experimental sound.
But despite venturing into some new territory, I also found time to listen to veterans like HWASA, Jennie and j-hope.
So without further ado, below are 10 tracks I found myself gravitating towards in 2025.
DAYOUNG - body
Despite its September release, I consider DAYOUNG’s “body” one of the best K-pop songs of the summer. The dance pop track embodies confidence, fearlessness and sensuality—with its accompanying music video perfectly capturing what it feels like to flirt and have fun on a summer’s day.
“It just felt so honest and full of confidence—a completely new side of me I’d been wanting to show,” DAYOUNG told me back in October. “It was a story that truly represented what I do best.”
JUNHEE - Supernova
JUNHEE may be known as the leader of the K-pop group A.C.E. But in 2025, he embarked on a new journey as a soloist.
The 31-year-old made his solo debut on August 14 with the dance-pop track “Supernova”, a song he says is inspired by disco and the European dance music scene.
The track is catchy and infectious, paired with a cinematic music video that sees JUNHEE chasing after a woman that captures his attention.
“I wanted to share a story about a love that feels just out of reach, but draws you in instinctively,” he told me earlier in late August.
JUSTB - CHEST
Following years of hardship and competing on survival competition shows, JUSTB took their story in their own hands in 2025. This new phase is reflected with the release of JUSTB’s new EP, [JUST ODD], which allowed them to be experimental in the studio.
The result is the lead single “CHEST”, which takes inspiration from the electronic and hyperpop sounds of CHARLI XCX and 2hollis. It’s a banger from start to finish.
j-hope - Mona Lisa
Even I was surprised to see j-hope’s “Mona Lisa” landing on my top three most-listened to songs of 2025.
The groovy hip hop track sees the BTS rapper singing about (gasp!) his love for the ladies, signalling a sexier Chapter 2 that the group has been teasing post-military.
I was in the crowd at Barclays Center in New York when j-hope debuted the track in April.
While the lyrics aren’t particularly groundbreaking, the song does showcase what j-hope does best—entertain. Through hip thrusts and the smooth gliding of his feet, the rapper was as suave as ever.
Perhaps it was me wanting to relive the memories of seeing j-hope in concert, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t listen to this song more than a dozen times.
f5ve - Underground
While many idol groups strive for perfection, uniformity and the illusion of flawless performances, Japan’s f5ve isn’t here to stick with conventions. Instead, the quintet—composed of SAYAKA, KAEDE, RURI, MIYUU and RUI—own up to their chaos and out-of-the-box sense of humour. Just take one look at their social media is proof of that. But beyond online presence, f5ve served hyperpop perfection with their album SEQUENCE 01.
Collaborating with producer BloodPop, f5ve blends the cheerful and nostalgic sounds of J-pop with nods to dance and electronic music.
One standout from the project is “Underground”, which takes inspiration from Japan’s parapara dance culture all while tackling themes like societal pressures and finding individuality.
KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack - What it Sounds Like
While “Golden” has rightfully been receiving the praise it deserves, the entirety of the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack is equally worthy of recognition.
One song that I feel deserves more love is “What it Sounds Like”, the epic anthem that comes during the finale. The track itself took 147 versions to get right, and is a banger worthy of being heard in a stadium.
It’s also a really cathartic karaoke song, and we should all get to experience singing it out loud in a room full of people.
Jennie featuring Dua Lipa - Handlebars
2025 marked the solo eras of Blackpink, and JENNIE dove headfirst into releasing an eclectic pop album called “Ruby.” The big highlight of this project was “Handlebars”, a track she shares with popstar Dua Lipa. The mid-tempo R&B and neosoul-inspired track sees the pair singing about diving head first into love, despite knowing how it’ll hurt in the end.
JENNIE, often seen as a fierce and confident rapper on stage, showcases vulnerability in “Handlebars”, and also lets audiences in to hear what she’s capable of vocally.
NMIXX - High Horse
You can always count on every single member of NMIXX to deliver vocally. Though 2025 allowed the group to really show off a more mature and sophisticated side, with the release of their EP Fe3O4: Forward and studio album Blue Valentine.
While NMIXX delivered several stand-out songs, I am singling out “High Horse” specifically for its hauntingly beautiful instrumental, unique rhythm and breakbeat sound. All of that, paired with NMIXX’s vocals is chef’s kiss.
HWASA - Good Goodbye
The best art often comes from heartbreak, and that’s exactly what pushed HWASA to write “Good Goodbye.” Inspired by the end of a relationship, HWASA explores what it means to wish someone goodbye with warmth and well wishes.
What made the bittersweet track even better was seeing HWASA promote it. At the Blue Dragon Awards, she brought Park Jung Min (who plays her love interest in the music video) on stage with her to carry her red shoes. Suddenly, all the A-list celebrities in the room became fangirls and fanboys. Talk about fan service! Someone, cast them in a real drama together!
CORTIS - FaSHioN
CORTIS represents a new era of boy groups in K-pop, shedding away the tailored suits, flashy makeup and outfits and thematic styling and storytelling. Instead, what makes CORTIS standout is the fact that they’re just teen boys being themselves.
Focusing on creating trap and hip hop songs, CORTIS broke away from the conventional idol formula by producing, writing and choreographing their own songs. “FaSHioN” may not be for old school K-pop lovers, especially those who don’t like autotune and abrasive vocals. Some might even compare it to something Travis Scott would release. But the track is oddly addictive, even if repetitive. It’s also a bit charming to hear a bunch of teens bragging about how good their thrift store fashion sense is.
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